Tree Cover Perspectives and Climate Change Resilience in the Drylands of Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya
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Date
2020-02
Authors
Mutuku, Heeran M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Rapid population growth, increasing demand for land, over-exploitation and the
degradation of local natural resources have led to serious socio-ecological challenges in
Matungulu Sub-county. This situation, compounded by the effects of climate change, has
impacted negatively on the livelihood resilience of the local people. The specific
objectives of this study were to: analyze tree cover trends in Matungulu Sub-county
between 1987 and 2017; examine major socio-economic factors that influence tree cover;
assess farmers’ perceptions of the effects of climate change on tree cover; examine the
role of tree cover in community resilience against poverty and effects of climate change;
and identify specific constraints that have hampered improvement of tree cover in the Subcounty.
Systematic random sampling was used to collect data from 412 farmers in the
study area. A structured questionnaire, FDGs, key informants and direct observations were
used to collect household socio-economic data. Landsat maps for historical analysis of
land cover change and climate data in Matungulu Sub-county were used to study changes
in tree cover and climate parameters over the three-decade period. Descriptive and
inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. Results showed that forest cover
reduced by 64% over the 30-year period (from 17,044 ha to 6,136 ha) while all other land
uses increased (farming by 34%, shrubs by 9%, water by 245% and urban settlements by
600%) in the same period. A logistic regression model with R statistics was used to test
for relationships between tree cover (dependent variable) and the socio-economic
parameters. Socio-economic variables that significantly influenced tree management
included gender (p= 0.011), house-hold size (p=0.030), and title deed ownership
(p=0.023). Majority (84%) of respondents perceived climate change to have occurred over
the 1987-2017 period. Farmer-perceived climatic patterns in the area over the same period
were corroborated by data from the Kenya Meteorological Department. Farmers used trees
to enhance their resilience against effects of climate change and poverty. Respondents had
58 different types of tree species, all for different roles and uses. Major tree species
included Eucalyptus saligna, Grevillea robusta, Mangifera indica, Persea americana,
Croton megalocarpus, and Terminalia brownie. Tree uses included firewood, timber,
charcoal, poles, shade, utensils, fodder, food and medicine besides others. Environmental
benefits of trees included soil erosion control (27%), mulch (15%), soil fertility (13%),
aesthetics (10%) and pest control (3%). 79% of the respondents had experienced lack of
information (24%), lack of capital (24%) and lack of water for seedlings (20%) as
constraints to tree cover. The study concluded that there was overall tree cover loss over
the three decades and recommends afforestation and reforestation programmes and
incorporation of local participation and use of indigenous knowledge in climate change
adaptation and mitigation interventions in Matungulu Sub-county
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Studies in the School of Environmental Studies, Kenyatta University. February, 2020
Keywords
Tree Cover Perspectives, Climate Change Resilience, Drylands, Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya